BOXING.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 76, 29 March 1924, Page 21

BOXING.

RINGSIDE GOSSIP,

To attempt to itagc a "come-back' is one thing, and to carry it off successfully quite another, as many a veteran has found, often to his cost, less frequently with profit. But there are different ways of making the attempt, and therein, other matters being equal, lies the .--cerct. Ten years is a very long time, pugilifltically speaking, and Jack Howard who has not figured in any big engagements for something like that period, must lie looked upon as plucky when, without thought of his 34 years, he is still young enough to look forward to the day when he will he in a position to daim the light to contest the New Zealand heavy-weight crown. The writer says with conviction that there are not three men in Auckland who possess the pamo knowledge of the ways of the ring lis docs Howard. His opponent, Jim O'SulHvan, ex-champion of New Zealand, is young in years, hut by comparison, a mere infant in experience, so that the match should be au interesting , one from many points of view. Howard has trained for this big effort for nigh nine months, for this is to be no sudden, unready attempt. "Why should I risk all to gain so little, if I did not have confidence in myself?" was the query -which lie put to the -writer when discussing the matter. Why indeed? One thing is certain—that if Jack Howard can "come back" with all his former brilliance iindimmed by the years then Jim O'Sullivan will stand up to the most difficult task he has yet been prepared to face. Can Howard'do that? Those -who attend the Purdy Benefit Carnival at the Town Hall on Monday week will see for themselves. CHARLIE PURDY. A3 a. quick thinker, and for sheer ability, ring generalship and speed, no . amateur boxer bred in New Zealand can compare with Charlie Purdy, tho subject of our pen * study. Thrice Australasian champion — an achievement which no other can claim—the 18----year-old Aucklander has fought 58 battles since he first entered the ring at tho eh a m pionships of 1921, and on only two occasions has victory not been his. Matt. Hatton, tho clever Auckland boy, now retired, and Billy Barnes, who left Wellington laet year to seek success in Australia, were the opponents to whom ho lost on points, and it is now generally agreed that there is no 9st amateur in New Zealand or Australia who can bo considered his equal. It has been said that he lacks a punch, but this is as untrue as his brilliancy is obvious. Under the capable tutelage of tho veteran, Henry Donovan, the young feather-weight haa progressed unfalteringly, till to-day lie is New Zealand's "hope" for the 1924 Olympiad at Paris; lie will leave for Sydney, to join up with the Australian team, on April 19, per the Ulimaroa. His expenses will be £400, and subscriptions from the public are solicited.

It is on the cards that Eugene Volaire will cross gloves with Tommy Fairhall at Wanganui in April.

Those sturdy light-weights, Tommy Fairhall and Ilavilah Uren, are matched for April 14. The bout is to be staged at Wellington. The pair have met on three previous occasions, with two victories to Uren and the remaining one to Fairhall.

Yet another professional featherweight is desirous of entering the arena in this country. The boxer referred to is Billy Elliott, who was New Zealand and Australasian feather champion in 1908, what time he hailed from Timaru. The previous year he had won the Southland title, but he did not compete in New Zealand championships. He won the cup given for the most scientific boxer at the 190S meeting, and later, joining the ranks where the money is, annexed tho Dominion title. Having an undefeated record in New Zealand. In the samo year he went to Australia, where ho won the title. He has been out of the game for some years, having been engaged in conducting"a gymnasium on the other side of the Tasman, and he lias now returned to join company with veteran Jack Howard, who is training for hie fight with long , Jim O'Sullivan, ex-heavy champion. It is probable that Elliott will go into partnership with Howard. If he finds that the years and increasing weight have not taken too much toll of hie vitality he will probably endenvour to match up with some of the Xew Zealand professionals in the feather and light-weight divisions. At the moment Elliott weighs 0.13.

"When Brian McCleary went to Tiinaru last year to meet Eddie Parker, the South Canterbury boxer was making his first appearance as a professional boxer. Previously lie had experienced 20 victories and a couple of defeats as an amateur, and he eignalised his entry to the professional ranks by outboxing McCleary and collaring the light-heavy-weight championship of New Zealand, a crown which he lias held since then. Probably McCleary under-esti-mated the powers of the South Canterbury man; at any rate, lie did not box in anything like his best form. Now there are negotiations in progress for another mntch between the two," says the Christchurch "Sun." "The Tiinaru Boxing Association wants another match at Tiinaru. but McCleary is not keen to go south. The referee ing at the last match left much to be desired, and so did the hospitality of the Timaru Association. The Christchurch Sports Club is also keen to stage the match for the title at Easter."

That during the past two years he had earned £8000 was the statement J made by Bert Spargo, during his law- ■ suit against the Melbourne and Metroi politan Tramways Board for the recovery of £1500 by way of compensation for injuries received to his knee in the Flemington tramway accident on September 15. Included in the claim were two sums of £650, which Spargo said he had lost through having to cancel engagements with Macario Villon and Billy Grime. The action was con- ( tested on the grounds that the damages claimed were excessive. The jury awarded Spargo £1050 10/. - -